The Official Foundation of the Newport Beach Fire Department

For those who run toward the danger.

The firefighters, paramedics, and lifeguards of Newport Beach answer every call. Our foundation stands behind them — funding their safety, health, training, and the equipment they depend on.

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Our Mission

To provide comprehensive support to the first responders of Newport Beach — firefighters, emergency-response personnel, and lifeguards — enhancing their safety, well-being, and professional capabilities through community engagement, financial assistance, and educational programs.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the foundation meets needs that aren’t covered by city, state, or federal budgets — from training and equipment to the mental and physical health of the people who protect us.

Our Values

01

Commitment

Dedicated to supporting our first responders in every possible way.

02

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of honesty and accountability.

03

Community

Building strong, supportive relationships within Newport Beach.

04

Excellence

Striving for the highest quality in all our programs and initiatives.

Impact Snapshot

Early momentum, direct support.

$600K

Donations received since inception

150 full-time staff
250 seasonal lifeguards

Served since inception

Under 2 years

Since inception

A Newport Beach Fire Department marine unit on the water

“On land and on the water, when Newport Beach needs them, they answer.”

What Your Support Funds

Four fronts where giving becomes readiness.

Every contribution flows directly into the capabilities, health, and equipment of Newport Beach’s first responders.

01

Physical and Behavioral Health

The NBFD Foundation provides assistance and support to firefighters and paramedics in times of need through counseling and healthcare services.

02

Scholarships & Career Support

The NBFD Foundation helps train and advance first responders through professional education, including scholarships for paramedic school and other career development support.

03

Advanced Technology & Equipment

The NBFD Foundation purchases state-of-the-art equipment for fire suppression, pre-hospital medical care, emergency response, and rescue operations and recovery.

04

Supporting Fire Families

The foundation helps families stay connected through counseling and family-oriented activities that support a healthier life at work and at home.

Corporate Sponsors

Partners helping extend the Foundation’s reach.

We’re grateful for the businesses and organizations that stand behind Newport Beach first responders.

Testimonials

What support feels like on the receiving end.

Words from the firefighters and families the Foundation has been able to support.

Community voices

Good morning, I just wanted to say thank you for having the vision for this foundation and the follow-through to take it to this point. Your kindness and generosity are unlike anything I have seen in my 22 years here in Newport. I feel blessed to have your team supporting my health and wellness. The CDU is incredible and helped my entire crew tremendously after the fire we had last night. I thank you, and so does my family.

Dan Chapman
Fire Engineer

My husband has worked for NBFD for the last 23 years, and I have never felt so supported by the community they serve. Throughout Chad's 23 years of service, he has been on countless wildland fires. While we are used to our husbands being on duty for 48 hours at a time, wildland fires bring an additional amount of worry and time away. What you have created for the future of our fire families is truly incredible. My heartfelt thanks for the generous supplies. He said the warm jacket made all the difference during these cold nights. Your support is truly appreciated.

Lynne Ponegalek
NBFD fire wife

I wanted to thank you so much for this email and for the gift that was also sent. In the 16 years that I have been a fire wife, this is the first time I have felt so supported during a wildland fire deployment. I appreciate the extra care and kindness. It goes a long way when we are holding down life while they are away.

Jenny Hutzler
NBFD fire wife

Thank you to you both and the whole foundation for the support. I so appreciated the gift because it was so thoughtful. It is hard having Adam away, but luckily my boys have stepped up and been amazing. Brian, I got to talk to Adam yesterday, and he told me about your visit. It means a great deal that you took time out of your day to do that. He shared how much they appreciated the gift and how much he needed regular clothes to wear during rest time — one of those things you do not think about when they head out. My little Novak clan is doing well. All I ask is continued prayers for all the first responders out there working so hard. I pray they stay safe and keep their spirits uplifted.

Jackie Novak
NBFD fire wife

Leadership

An all-volunteer board, accountable to the community it serves.

The foundation is led by civic and business leaders from across Newport Beach — volunteers who provide strategy, financial oversight, and accountability so every dollar goes further.

Meet the board